The education watchdog inspected Saint Chad’s Anglican Pre-School in Eric Road on September 11 and made the findings public on October 9.
It was deemed to have an ‘outstanding’ overall effectiveness being given the highest rank in its quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
Inspectors found that “staff greet children warmly as they arrive” and described St Chad’s as “highly inclusive and welcoming”.
Staff were found to “encourage children to share how they are feeling and use their interests to engage them quickly in play” which “supports a calm and positive start to each session and sets the tone for the whole day”.
There is a “consistently high expectation” for children’s behaviour, Ofsted said.
Inspectors also said the pre-school leaders have an excellent understanding of the skills children need to be ready for school.
They share this understanding and know the children in their care “exceptionally well”, according to the report.
Staff also carefully monitor children’s progress over time and are quick to identify any gaps in learning and use “effective and consistent strategies” to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Manager Kath Childs, who took over as pre-school manager in September 2023, said: “Together with my deputy, Sian Cox, and our dedicated team, we have implemented many positive changes to support families within our community.
“We have worked hard to develop an open-door policy where every family feels welcomed, included, and supported.”
The Ofsted report credited St Chad’s newsletters that are sent out to families.
These newsletters include ideas for home learning and provide information on services available to families in need.
Inspectors said: “Leaders ensure that they are always available and approachable – this enables families to reach out for support and benefit from their guidance and expertise.”
Parents shared that staff go “above and beyond” to care for their children and meet their individual needs.
Kath added: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far and would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our amazing staff, our families, our committee, and our early years advisory team for their continued support and commitment.
“Together, we can achieve great things.
“We truly love what we do, and each one of us is dedicated to helping the children in our care develop to their fullest potential.”
